AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has once again stressed the importance of taking each game as it comes after Thursday’s 3-0 win over Sparta Praha.
Milan made it two wins from two games in the Europa League and moved top of Group H after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sparta Praha.
In truth the Rossoneri were never in danger as soon as they got the opening goal, and it was the loanee Brahim Diaz who was the architect as he won the ball back before dashing 40 yards and finishing from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s feed. Substitute Rafael Leao and another loanee in Diogo Dalot both scored in the second half to round off the scoring.
The result – thanks to Celtic’s draw with Ligue 1 leaders Lille away from home – means Milan are now top of the group and clear by two points, with the French side set to visit next week.
Pioli was interviewed by Sky Italia after the game, and revealed his delight at securing another win without really breaking sweat. His comments were transcribed by MilanNews and have been translated below.
“The team knows how to stay on the pitch, it knows how to read the games. We came from a good performance where we could have done better in the control phase. Today we made good use of the spaces they gave us. My choices will be increasingly complicated because everyone is doing well,” he said.
“The boys work with great unity, when you have this attitude it is easy for me to call them into question. The squad is large, we wanted it this way, it is right to take full advantage of it.”
On Ibra’s substitution: “I had already anticipated the change. Zlatan is a champion, probably if I had asked him he would have wanted to continue this game too but we have to measure up our commitments. We will have a very difficult game on Sunday.”
On Tonali: “He took two steps forward, not just one. He didn’t prepare with us, he is growing in condition, in knowledge of his team-mates, I am very satisfied. He is a very strong player, there is great competition. It is right for the boys to play for their place.”
On Bennacer: “He is growing really a lot, in quality he is improving but he can do even better, in certain choices he can be even more decisive.”
On the team: “All the boys are putting aside individualisms, at all times, this must be our base. We are Milan and we want to have ambitions, only in this way we can think of beating teams that seem stronger than us.”
On the objectives: “We cannot predict the future, let’s think about the next match. The Europa League is difficult and competitive, head to work and feet firmly on the ground because difficulties will also come.”
